The time for lying on the beach might over for this year, but that doesn’t mean we have to completely hibernate now it’s autumn.
Good boots and a waterproof coat is all that stands between you and enjoying the great outdoors – after all, as Ranulph Fiennes said, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.
Each year, we welcome Winchester Walkers to Greenwood Grange for their annual Dorset autumn walking break. The group has been going for about 25 years and currently has 17 members, some of whom are now in their 80s. Anne Morrison from the group said: "It's one of the main reasons we choose Greenwood Grange because there's something for everyone locally – good walks but also interesting landmarks and good tea rooms for those who, nowadays, aren’t quite so mobile."
Favourite walks
For example, one of the group's favourite places is Moreton. It’s a lovely stretch from Greenwood Grange, but also home to St Nicholas Church which is famous for the stunning Whistler engraved windows and as the last resting place of Lawrence of Arabia. The village has a lovely tea room which is popular with all members of the group.
Other favourite walks include Maiden Castle– an Iron Age hill fort where archaeologists discovered evidence of a huge battle between the native Iron Age tribe and the invading Romans. A walk around the chalk giant at Cerne Abbas is also popular as it has beautiful views over the surrounding countryside which not surprisingly, falls within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Après Walk at Greenwood Grange
After a day out walking, there’s nothing the Winchester Walkers enjoy more than a dip in Greenwood Grange’s pool or to relax in the sauna.
The group prefers to book a number of our smaller cottages, especially the dog friendly ones with enclosed gardens – Winchester Walkers has some four legged members! A couple will tend to share a cottage with one other couple so they can enjoy peaceful evenings planning the next day’s walk. Anne said: "The superfast Wifi makes it so much easier to download walks, check information and weather forecasts; and it’s another of the reasons we choose Greenwood Grange."
At least once during their week away, everyone will go out to dinner together to one of the outstanding restaurants nearby - here's a great list of places to visit.
Put your own foot forward
We’re really looking forward to welcoming the Winchester Walkers to Greenwood Grange soon – if you are a member of a walking group or just fancy a family walking holiday, get in touch to book.
If you’d like more help planning your trip, Visit Dorset has some great ideas for interesting walks.
